Stephen Davis: Raising Alphas - Leadership, Fatherhood, and Building Strong Men in a Challenging World

What happens when doing the right thing costs you everything? Meet the man who chose integrity over compliance—and lived to teach others how to do the same.Stephen Davis is a battle-tested leader who's worn multiple hats:U.S. Army combat medic and Special Forces candidateDecorated fire battalion chief with 15+ years of serviceAuthor of Alone in the Fire, exposing government corruptionFounder of the Raising Alphas Project, mentoring next-gen leadersIn 2021, as an Orange County Fire Department battalion chief, Davis was ordered to punish firefighters resisting COVID mandates. When he discovered the disciplinary lists included exempt personnel—close friends and colleagues—he refused. The result? Termination. But his fight was just beginning.Quotes:"Your most passionate performers are your strongest leaders when they're not heard, when they're not listened to, when their voice isn't given any level of respect." - Stephen Davis"Isn't the downhill part the best part of the ride? Anytime you go on a roller coaster, isn't that the time we're all screaming with fun?" - Stephen Davis"What I can control is the family that I'm raising. What I can do my best to do is build these tribes." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Audit Your IntegrityAsk yourself: "Where have I compromised my values to avoid conflict or protect my position?"Action: Write down one principle you’re unwilling to bend on—no matter the cost.Challenge Authority (Wisely)Lesson: Blind compliance enables corruption. Leaders question unjust orders.Action: The next time you’re pressured to enforce something questionable, ask: "Is this lawful, ethical, and morally right?" If not, push back.Build Financial & Emotional ResilienceLesson: Davis survived losing his career because he had other skills and income streams.Action: Start a side hustle, learn a trade, or save 6 months’ expenses. Freedom requires options.Conclusion:Stephen Davis’ story isn’t just about losing a job—it’s about what happens when one person refuses to kneel. His stand cost him his career, but it revealed a timeless truth: real leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about moral defiance.Final Thought: The systems around us want compliance. They fear conviction. So ask yourself:What hill am I willing to die on?What legacy will my choices leave?If I don’t stand now, when will I?Davis proved that one voice can ignite many. The question is—will yours be next?Subscribe for more unfiltered leadership insights. ChiefStephenDavis.com 

What if the very thing you’re most passionate about is the one thing everyone tells you to walk away from?Have you ever felt the pressure to “have it all figured out” by 18—or even 28? Or questioned whether it’s too late to chase that dream burning quietly inside you?In this episode, we dive deep into those very questions with recording artist and creative powerhouse Cassy London. From walking away from a traditional journalism path to pursuing music full-time without any family connections in the industry, Cassy's story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring. She opens up about the lonely moments, the doubts, the pushback—and what it truly means to choose yourself, even when it’s terrifying. With a voice that moves hearts and lyrics rooted in purpose, Cassy doesn’t just create music—she creates movements. A fierce advocate for authenticity and artistic integrity, Cassy shares how her faith, her upbringing, and her inner compass helped her navigate rejection, rebranding, and the emotional rollercoaster of building a career in one of the toughest industries in the world.Whether you're 13 or 53, standing at the crossroads of comfort and calling—this conversation will challenge you, ground you, and remind you that growth is messy, but worth it.This one’s not just for the aspiring musicians—it’s for anyone ready to embrace the unknown with courage and confidence.Quotes:"Confidence truly comes from within. There's no item, there's no look, there's no anything tangible that can make you feel confident, it truly comes from within, and that takes hard work to create." - Cassy London"If you're not growing, what the heck are you doing? Growth should be celebrated." - Cassy London"Trust the process. Truly, truly trust the process and remember that no bad day, bad situation, it's temporary. Things will pass." - Cassy LondonKey Takeaways:Re-evaluate Your Current Path: Ask yourself: Is what I’m doing now aligned with who I truly am or what I genuinely love? Assignment: Journal for 10 minutes about what you would pursue if fear, judgment, or expectations weren’t in the way.Audit Your Inner Circle: Cassy emphasized the power of having people around who truly know and support you. Assignment: List your top 5 closest relationships. Do they help you grow, challenge you lovingly, or hold you back?Take a Creative Risk This Week: Whether it’s writing, posting something personal, or pursuing a passion project, take one bold action that stretches your creative comfort zone. Task: Share a small piece of your creative work with someone you trust or on social media, even if it scares you.Redefine Confidence as Inner Work, Not Outer Image: Remember, confidence isn’t something you wear—it’s something you build. Reflection Prompt: What’s one area where you’ve been waiting to “look ready” before acting? How can you start anyway, from the inside out?Celebrate Your Growth and Give Yourself Permission to Evolve: Cassy’s journey reminds us: you’re allowed to outgrow your past identity. Assignment: Write down 3 ways you’ve changed over the past year—and give yourself credit for the transformation.Conclusion:Cassy London’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to purpose isn’t always clear—but it’s always worth pursuing. Whether you’re discovering who you are or rediscovering what you love, this episode encourages you to choose courage over comfort, authenticity over approval, and growth over fear.

What happens when a culture forgets its roots? Are we raising kids who understand sacrifice, freedom, and the values that built a nation? Or are we letting those truths slip away with every swipe and scroll?In this powerful and passionate episode, Jill Simonian, Director of Outreach for PragerU Kids, joins Matt Beaudreau to tackle some of the most urgent challenges in education, parenting, and American identity. With a background in broadcasting and a heart for kids, Jill brings a unique fire to her mission: reviving tradition, truth, and patriotism through family-centered education.Jill isn’t just building content—she’s building a movement. From launching an interactive Founders Museum at the White House to crafting the Independence Day Ceremony book that blends history with heartfelt ritual, she’s redefining how families connect to America’s legacy.But it’s not just about the stars and stripes. Jill gets raw about raising teenagers in a hyper-digital world, shares her household’s bold boundaries on tech, and unpacks why standards—like school uniforms and reading comprehension—aren’t “old-fashioned,” they’re essential.Quotes:"A nation without memory is a nation at risk. If we don't teach our children what was sacrificed, what the Declaration of Independence actually meant, then how are they going to know how important it is to preserve it and honor it?" - Jill Simonian"Time is our greatest resource. The United States flag is perhaps the most inclusive one in the world, because it represents every single ethnicity, every single heritage, every single sexual orientation." - Jill Simonian"If you stand for something, you're going to have somebody who opposes you." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Tradition matters: Learn how the Independence Day Ceremony revives patriotism in the home with a powerful blend of symbolism and storytelling.Why standards save kids: From uniforms to screen time, discover how enforcing structure builds confidence and self-respect.Reading is a battleground: Jill explains why literacy—not tablets—is the real tool for future success.Screens vs. sanity: Hear her strategy for slowly introducing tech to teens without losing connection—or your mind.Pushback and purpose: Find out how Jill handles criticism about being “non-inclusive” with grace, strength, and an unshakable belief in unifying principles.Conclusion:As we close this episode, one thing is clear: Jill Simonian isn’t just teaching history—she’s helping families reconnect with what matters. In a divided world, she reminds us that tradition, standards, and love for country still hold us together.Whether you're a parent, educator, or mentor, this is your reminder: you don’t have to do everything—but you do have to do something. Even small traditions can leave a lasting legacy.Call to Action:Want to bring more meaning into your family’s traditions?📘 Check out PragerU’s Independence Day Ceremony – a short, family-friendly program that helps kids understand why we celebrate July 4th: 👉 prageru.com/book/the-independence-day-ceremony📚 Looking for a great book to get your kids reading? Grab "The Tip Off" – a new middle-grade novel about grit, teamwork, and standing strong: 👉 prageru.com/book/the-tip-off-the-chronicles-of-jonathan-spencer-book-1For more free videos, books, and resources for parents and teachers, visit 👉 pragerukids.com

What if everything you’ve worked for—your comfort, your stability, your certainty—was gone tomorrow?Would you be ready?Would your mindset be strong enough to adapt?Would you know how to rebuild… or would you break?In this powerful episode, we dive deep with Geoff Hopf—a former Marine, elite bodyguard, and bestselling author of The End series, a post-apocalyptic saga grounded in gritty realism. But Geoff isn’t just a storyteller. He’s lived through high-stakes missions, experienced loss, reinvented himself at 41, and built multiple companies by embracing failure, discipline, and compound effort.Geoff’s passion for preparedness, personal growth, and leadership is contagious. He’s not here to sell fear—he’s here to ignite responsibility. Whether you’re struggling to find your path, seeking mental toughness, or wondering how to thrive in a world changing faster than ever, Geoff offers hard-earned wisdom and actionable insight.Tune in as we explore:The principle of “compound labor” and how it transformed Geoff’s lifeWhat happens when comfort kills characterHow to reframe failure into fuelWhy trades and mindset might save your future in an AI-dominated worldAnd how one quote—“Hard times create strong men…”—sparked a cultural firestormThis episode isn’t just a conversation. It’s a challenge.Are you becoming the strong man this world will soon demand?Quotes:"Comfort kills, and we only become stronger when we're challenged a little bit when it's put under adversity." - Geoff Hopf"Money is an energy that flows directly from providing value. If you provide value to people, then sales and success are downstream of that." - Geoff Hopf"If you're alive, you're going to struggle on something all the time. So let's not put struggling on a pedestal." - Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Apply the Principle of “Compound Labor” Choose one goal—fitness, writing, business—and commit to small, consistent daily action. Track your progress weekly to see how effort compounds over time.Reframe Failure as Tuition When something goes wrong, ask yourself: “What lesson did I just pay for?” Write it down, label it “investment,” and decide how you’ll respond differently next time.Audit Your Emotional State During Challenges The next time you feel overwhelmed or angry, pause and ask: “Am I choosing this emotion, or is it choosing me?” Then choose calm, curiosity, or excitement as your new lens.Prepare for Disruption, Not Just Survival Whether it's AI, economic collapse, or personal crisis—get proactive. Pick one “pillar” to strengthen this week: physical fitness, a new skill, your mindset, or basic emergency preparedness (like storing food or learning self-reliance).Find a Mentor, Be a Mentor Geoff meets with an 87-year-old billionaire for life and business advice. Who are you learning from? And who could you be helping? Seek out both relationships this month.Conclusion:If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now. You just need to be willing to show up every day, take small steps, and lean into the hard stuff—because that’s where growth lives.Geoff reminded us that failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the process. And maybe the most important question we can ask ourselves isn’t “What do I do next?” but “Am I having fun? Am I aligned? Am I building something that matters?”Whether you’re 18 or 58, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, learn something new, or become the kind of person this world needs more of—strong, grounded, and awake.Thanks for listening. If this episode hit home for you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and keep showing up. We’re all in this together.Until next time—stay sharp, stay humble, and stay ready.

What if telling the truth cost you your job, your reputation—or even your family’s safety?In this episode, Matt Beaudreau sits down with Gareth Icke, musician, father, and outspoken voice in the fight for free speech and sovereignty.Gareth shares what it was like growing up in the shadow of public scrutiny, the cost of speaking out in today’s climate, and why building parallel systems—schools, media, communities—is no longer just an option, but a necessity.They explore:• The rise of censorship and the illusion of free speech• Raising strong, free-thinking kids in a conformist culture• Why peaceful noncompliance is the most powerful resistance• How Gareth stays grounded in joy, creativity, and purposeIf you’re tired of fear-based narratives and ready to build something better—this episode is for you.Quotes:"As long as what you do doesn't negatively impact anyone else, you should be free to live your life how you desire.” - Gareth Icke"Be the change you want to see in the world. Start with you. You make your family life better, other people around you lives better." - Gareth Icke"Our job, especially as fathers, is to do what we can to build, yes, build for society, so that we're not just complaining without a solution, but to build that ideal life for our home too." - Matt Beaudreau Key Takeaways:Question Your Defaults: Ask yourself, “What do I believe simply because I’ve heard it repeated?” Challenge one “everyone knows that” idea this week by researching its origin or alternative views.Protect What Matters Most: Set boundaries around your family’s digital presence. Consider removing or limiting recent photos of your kids online—and ask yourself, “Who really needs to see this?”Practice Peaceful Noncompliance: Identify one area in your life where you’re following rules that don’t align with your values. Explore a respectful way to say “no” and reclaim your autonomy.Build What You Wish Existed: Instead of just criticizing broken systems (school, media, governance), brainstorm one tangible way you could contribute to a “parallel society”—even if it’s as small as starting a book club or supporting a local homeschool co-op.Choose Integrity Over Approval: Reflect on where you're holding back out of fear of what others might think. What’s one truth you need to speak—even if it’s uncomfortable?Conclusion:In a world increasingly shaped by fear, conformity, and digital control, Gareth Icke reminds us that courage starts at home—and change begins with personal responsibility. Whether it’s protecting our families, questioning the narratives we’re fed, or simply choosing to live with integrity, each of us has a role to play in building something better.This episode isn’t just a call to awareness—it’s a call to action. Speak your truth. Protect your peace. And most importantly, be the example your kids—and the world—need right now.

Feeling stuck? Maybe you’ve been grinding but can’t seem to break through. You want to lead, to build, to create value—but something’s missing.Is it confidence? A clear path? A belief that you’re even capable?Or maybe you’re haunted by questions like: Why should anyone follow me?Am I really cut out for this? How do I lead when I feel like an imposter?Too many aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs feel trapped—either by a lack of direction or the weight of their own self-doubt. But what if the very thing you fear—struggle—is actually the key to building unstoppable self-esteem and long-term success?Meet Lee Benson—a man who went from being kicked out of his home in high school to selling one of his companies for nine figures. Lee didn’t just build wealth—he built multi-generational value by embracing struggle, focusing on value creation, and turning pain into purpose.Lee’s not your typical business guru.He’s a rock musician, ultra-marathoner, CEO of eight companies, and the passionate mind behind Dinner Table, a movement to raise value-creating families and future leaders.In this episode, Lee shares:· Why most people misunderstand “imposter syndrome”· How emotional energy is the rarest and most powerful resource you have· The exact mindset that turns struggle into confidence—and confidence into legacy· Why you should stop waiting to feel ready—and start where you areThis episode is your wake-up call. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to shift from fear to fulfillment, you need to hear this.Listen now—because leadership isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you create.Quotes:• "All the opportunity in the world is in the struggle. The harder it gets, the better it is." - Lee Benson• "Everybody does what's in their best self-interest for either this life and or the next. We're either win-win, or we're win-lose." - Lee Benson• "The purpose of the human experience is to elevate human consciousness - simply said, figure stuff out." - Lee BensonKey Takeaways:· Reframe Struggle as a Tool: Start viewing struggle as the necessary path to building confidence and self-esteem. Ask yourself, “What capability is this challenge helping me develop?”· Adopt the Value Creation Lens: Before making your next move—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth—ask: “Am I truly creating value, or am I just staying busy?”· Audit Your Emotional Energy: Rate your emotional energy on a scale of 1–10 each day. Then identify what boosts it and what drains it. Begin designing your life around protecting and amplifying that energy.· Design a Personal Business Model: Whether you’re employed or self-employed, write down how you create value, how you’re rewarded for it, and how you can scale it. This turns abstract goals into actionable steps.· Test, Tweak, Repeat: Treat life and business decisions like experiments. Don’t fear mistakes—instead, document your assumptions, test them quickly and cheaply, and use failures as feedback.Conclusion:This conversation with Lee Benson is a powerful reminder that you don’t need permission to start—you just need the willingness to struggle, learn, and keep showing up. Success doesn’t come from avoiding hard things—it comes from leaning into them with purpose. Whether you're a young man figuring out your path or a seasoned entrepreneur feeling stuck, this episode challenges you to rethink what’s possible when you focus on creating real value—in your work, your relationships, and your life.

Are young people being sold an outdated dream?What if college isn’t the golden ticket we were told it was?What happens when a young person knows they want more—but the traditional path feels like a detour, not a destination? If you’ve ever felt like you're too ambitious for college, this episode is for you.Today’s guest is the brilliant and bold Jorja Leavitt, a serial entrepreneur whose journey epitomizes grit, creativity, and purpose-driven disruption. She’s not just a founder; she’s a problem-solver, a marketplace pioneer, and a reverse logistics trailblazer. After building a Facebook Marketplace-like app that attracted millions before Facebook shut them down, she didn’t quit—she pivoted. That single move birthed a company that picked up and resold bulky items like mattresses and furniture, reshaping how we think about secondhand commerce.We talk entrepreneurship, failure, perseverance, and why embracing AI, not resisting it, is the secret sauce to thriving in today's world. Jorja’s passion for helping ambitious young people find their lane outside the traditional system is infectious—and her story proves that the “safe” path isn’t always the smart one.If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What if I could do something different?”—this is the episode that just might change your life.Quotes:• "If you're willing to be flexible enough and open minded enough and creative enough, there is a solution. It might not be the solution you want." - Jorja Leavitt• "The difference between someone that's successful and unsuccessful is they just don't give up. Don't give up. It's that grit factor." - Jorja Leavitt• "You are your best advocate. Go find the community that you want and like." - Jorja LeavittKey Takeaways:• Rethink the Default Path Ask yourself: Am I choosing college (or any path) because it's right—or just because it's expected? Take 10 minutes to journal what success looks like for you, not for others.• Use AI as Your Superpower, Not a Shortcut Explore how AI can enhance your work, not replace your effort. Pick one free AI tool (like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Canva Magic Write) and use it to complete a small project this week—resume, portfolio, or even a side hustle plan.• Turn Failure into Feedback Think of one “failure” you’ve experienced. Break it down: What did it teach you? How can it guide your next move? Remember, as Jorja says: "It’s not failure—it’s just a problem you haven’t solved yet."• Take a Micro-Risk Today Apply for something outside your comfort zone: a local internship, a virtual cohort (like Praxis), or pitch a freelance project. Action > perfection.• Audit Your Environment Are you surrounded by people who fuel your ambition or hold it back? Find (or build) one community—online or in person—that shares your drive. Join a local meetup, Discord, or mastermind focused on entrepreneurship or tech.Conclusion:Jorja Leavitt’s journey reminds us that the path to success is rarely straight—and almost never traditional. From being shut down by Facebook to building something even greater, her story is a powerful lesson in resilience, creativity, and the courage to pivot.Whether you're questioning college, dreaming of entrepreneurship, or just trying to figure out what’s next—know this: you don’t have to follow the old map to reach a new destination.The tools are here. The support is out there. And the world needs more people willing to challenge the status quo and create their own lane.So ask yourself: What’s one bold step you can take this week to move toward the life you actually want? Then go take it.This isn’t just an episode—it’s a call to action. And your next chapter starts now.

Is traditional education holding kids back from real growth? What if asking better questions — not giving better answers — is the key to raising tomorrow’s leaders?In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Craveiro — a bold educator, mother, and mentor who’s redefining learning through Socratic facilitation and purposeful leadership. As a roadschooling parent and Apogee Women affiliate, Brittany helps young women think deeply, lead confidently, and take ownership of their future.If you're ready to challenge the way we teach and inspire a generation to become, not just perform, this conversation is for you.Quotes:• "I love to refer to Socratic conversations as exercise for your brain, because the first time I had a Socratic conversation, it really was obvious to me that I was accessing different parts of my brain." - Brittany Craveiro• "It's been an experience, and it's been neat to live with less and to see how much we were attached to things. So that's been a really cleansing opportunity, for sure." - Brittany Craveiro• "I fell in love with Socratic facilitation because it allows me to exercise my brain." - Brittany CraveiroKey Takeaways:• Redefine Leadership in Your Home: Create space for your kids (or yourself) to think out loud without fear of being “wrong.” Start one dinner this week with a big question — no right answers allowed.• Reflect on the Question “Who Are You Becoming?” Use this as a journal prompt or conversation starter. Instead of focusing on goals or grades, shift attention to identity and intention.• Practice Socratic Listening: In your next conversation, don’t just listen to respond — ask one follow-up question that challenges or deepens what the other person said. Exercise curiosity instead of control.• Build Your Rules of Engagement: Whether for your family, team, or classroom — define how you want to show up in conversations. (e.g., Eye contact, kindness, take a stand, ask clarifying questions.)• Create a Daily Discipline Challenge: Choose one small act of self-care — fitness, food, sleep, or gratitude — and commit to doing it every day for the next 7 days. Then reflect: how did that one choice shape who you became?Conclusion:In a world obsessed with quick answers and constant performance, Brittany Craveiro reminds us that the questions we ask — of ourselves and others — are what truly shape us. Whether you're a parent, mentor, educator, or simply someone striving to grow, this episode challenges you to lead with intention, think deeply, and care for the one thing you truly own — your mind, your body, and your character. You don’t have to follow the script society handed you. You get to design the kind of leader — and the kind of human — you’re becoming.So… who are you becoming today?

What happens when an “ordinary mom” gets pushed too far by fear, censorship, and the breakdown of civil discourse? Are you tired of being told to sit down, be quiet, and follow the narrative—even when your gut and your values say otherwise?In this powerful podcast episode, we sit with Adele Basarich, a fierce voice of conviction, resilience, and faith. A mother, former teacher, and health freedom advocate, Adele never set out to lead a movement—she just refused to stay silent. From navigating public backlash to pulling her kids from schools that didn’t align with her values, she’s shown what it looks like to stand firm with grace in a world full of noise.Adele speaks candidly about medical freedom, raising strong kids through real conversations, natural healing, and the power of questioning everything—even if it makes people uncomfortable. If you’ve ever felt like the world is upside down and wondered, What can I do about it?—this conversation is your answer.Quotes:"Education is empowerment, and so any way that I can educate them, I do it so that they know how to navigate the world around them, which is absolute madness." - Adele Basarich"My beliefs go with the Bible, and I'm like, trying to align with that, which never changes. And over here, culture is telling us to do all this crazy stuff, constantly changing." - Adele Basarich"We need to build capable young people that are able to adapt to whatever is going to need to be adapted to." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Question the narrative—boldly and respectfully. Don’t silence your intuition for the sake of comfort. Ask yourself: Where am I staying silent just to avoid conflict—and is that costing me something important?Build emotional resilience at home. Engage your kids in meaningful conversations, especially when they ask “why.” It’s not disrespect—it’s curiosity. Task: This week, commit to explaining one rule or expectation to your child instead of defaulting to “because I said so.”Audit your health habits and environment. Adele’s journey into detoxing and healing began with simple, persistent changes. Assignment: Start each morning for two days with 24 oz. of fresh celery juice to reset digestion and reduce brain fog.Stay rooted in your values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Adele reminds us that grace and grit are not opposites. Ask: Where am I compromising what I believe in to please others?Use tech—but don’t let it raise your kids. Be intentional with screen time and tech exposure. Task: Review your family’s tech habits and set one boundary this week that prioritizes connection or creativity over consumption.Conclusion:This episode is a reminder that courage doesn’t always look like a protest or a platform—sometimes, it looks like a mom refusing to stay silent, choosing to raise her kids with clarity, conviction, and truth. Adele Basarich shares a powerful message: you don’t need permission to stand up for what you believe in. Whether it's in your home, your health, or your community, your voice matters.Take what resonated from this conversation and apply it—have the hard conversations, question the status quo, and stay grounded in your values. Because as Adele says, evil doesn’t stop—so we can’t either.

Are you addicted to insight but allergic to action? Still waiting for your life to change after the next podcast, book, or breakthrough?In this hard-hitting episode, we welcome Gary John Bishop—bestselling author and straight-talking personal development expert. With brutal honesty and deep wisdom, Gary breaks down why real transformation only happens through action, not feelings. He challenges us to stop betraying our own word, get complete with our past, and start living with integrity and purpose.If you’re tired of playing small and ready to create a real shift, this one’s for you. Are you ready to come back with a miracle?Quotes:• “Action is the source of all significant change in your life. That's where the rubber meets the road." - Gary John Bishop• "Integrity is simply the wholeness and completeness of the word. It's not do what I said like every time I'm perfect, it's treating what I said with honor." - Gary John Bishop• "Wisdom is locked in these aha moments, but there's so many people that convince themselves to keep those insights from turning into real change." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:· Stop chasing insights—take bold action. Real transformation isn’t about feeling better; it’s about doing something different. Ask yourself: What miracle action can I take this week that I normally wouldn’t?· Honor your word to yourself. You may keep promises to others, but do you follow through on what you tell yourself? Start small: Pick one personal commitment today—and keep it no matter what.· Write your childhood story—and let it go. Sit down and write out your full childhood experience. Read it aloud repeatedly until it loses its emotional grip. Ask: What conclusions about myself am I still carrying from that time?· Redefine integrity. It’s not just doing what you said; it’s respecting your relationship to what you said. Begin noticing: When do I say things I don’t truly intend to follow through on—and why?· Live from commitment, not comfort. Choose a goal or identity you’re committed to (father, leader, creator), and let that commitment guide your actions—especially when it’s hard.Conclusion:This episode was a punch in the gut—in the best way possible. Gary John Bishop doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s exactly why it hits so hard. If you’re someone who’s been stuck in “self-help mode,” constantly learning but not really changing, this conversation is your invitation to finally do the work.Whether it’s making peace with your past, keeping your word to yourself, or just taking one uncomfortable step forward—you’ve got something to act on now. No fluff, no hacks. Just real change, if you’re willing to go get it.So ask yourself: what’s your next move?